I would have men of such constancy put to sea that their business might be everything, and their intent every where; for thats it that always makes a good voyage of nothing.Shakespeare.Twelfth Night, Act II. Scene 4. (Clown to the Duke.)

Well, then, our course is chosenspread the sailHeave oft the lead, and mark the soundings well;Look to the helm, good mastermany a shoalMarks this stern coast, and rocks where sits the siren,Who, like ambition, lures men to their ruin. Scott.Kenilworth, Chap. XVII.

Chance will not do the workchance sends the breeze,But if the pilot slumber at the helm,The very wind that wafts us towards the portMay dash us on the shelvesthe steersmans partIs vigilance, blow it rough or smooth. Scott.Fortunes of Nigel, Chap. XXII.